Vizier of the Scorpion MTG Card


Offers card advantage with a bonus Zombie token that can tilt battlefield trades in your favor. Enhances synergy with graveyard and wide-creature strategies for a more potent game presence. Demands careful mana and hand management owing to its specific costs and synergistic needs.
Vizier of the Scorpion - War of the Spark
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Zombie Wizard
Abilities Amass
Released2019-05-03
Set symbol
Set nameWar of the Spark
Set codeWAR
Power 1
Toughness 1
Number111
Frame2015
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byZack Stella

Text of card

When Vizier of the Scorpion enters the battlefield, amass Zombies 1. (Put a +1/+1 counter on an Army you control. It's also a Zombie. If you don't control an Army, create a 0/0 black Zombie Army creature token first.) Zombie tokens you control have deathtouch.

His blessing is a curse.


Cards like Vizier of the Scorpion

Vizier of the Scorpion is an intriguing piece in decks aiming to capitalize on -1/-1 counter synergies and token generation within the vast universe of MTG. In its essence, the Vizier is akin to other cards such as Serrated Biskelion, which shares the -1/-1 counter theme, yet the Vizier introduces an army of tokens through its amass ability, giving it an extra edge in swarm strategies.

Exploring a similar space, we cross paths with Grim Affliction. This spell provides utility in proliferating -1/-1 counters to further hinder your opponent’s creatures. Despite this, it lacks the ability to regularly contribute to the board with token generation. On another note, Nest of Scarabs edges closer to Vizier of the Scorpion, with its potential to create numerous insect tokens whenever -1/-1 counters are placed. However, the Vizier remains unique with its ability to endow all your zombie tokens with deathtouch, elevating their threat level significantly.

Ultimately, while each card has its niche, Vizier of the Scorpion stands out among its kindred with a well-rounded skill set that fosters both token quantity and quality, making it a palpable choice in certain MTG strategies that leverage these mechanics.

Serrated Biskelion - MTG Card versions
Grim Affliction - MTG Card versions
Nest of Scarabs - MTG Card versions
Serrated Biskelion - MTG Card versions
Grim Affliction - MTG Card versions
Nest of Scarabs - MTG Card versions

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Plague Rats - MTG Card versions
El-Hajjâj - MTG Card versions
Frozen Shade - MTG Card versions
Scathe Zombies - MTG Card versions
Sorceress Queen - MTG Card versions
Lost Soul - MTG Card versions
Mindstab Thrull - MTG Card versions
Mischievous Poltergeist - MTG Card versions
Strongarm Thug - MTG Card versions
Razortooth Rats - MTG Card versions
Ghastly Remains - MTG Card versions
Lord of the Undead - MTG Card versions
Deepwood Ghoul - MTG Card versions
Dross Prowler - MTG Card versions
Nim Lasher - MTG Card versions
Nim Abomination - MTG Card versions
Vesper Ghoul - MTG Card versions
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Card Pros

Card Advantage: Vizier of the Scorpion comes with an additional 1/1 black Zombie creature token with deathtouch, providing you with an extra asset on the field. This opens up opportunities for advantageous trades and increased board presence.

Resource Acceleration: The Vizier itself may not directly accelerate resources, but the synergy with other graveyard mechanics or cards that benefit from having a wide array of creatures can indirectly accelerate your game plan. It complements strategies revolving around sacrifice for benefit and the accrual of creature-based value.

Instant Speed: While Vizier of the Scorpion is not an instant, its value shines in its afterlife – when it enters the battlefield, it bestows all your other Zombies with deathtouch, instantly upgrading your defenses. This can deter opponents from attacking and often acts as a failsafe against larger threats, effectively altering the pace and decisions your opponent must make at instant speed.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Vizier of the Scorpion doesn’t force you to discard, cards in your hand may be constrained when considering synergistic strategies around its amass ability, leading to tough decisions about hand management and battlefield presence.

Specific Mana Cost: The casting cost demands one black mana, which can be restrictive for multicolored decks struggling to maintain a consistent mana base or during the early game where mana flexibility is critical.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: At three mana for a 1/1 body and granting deathtouch to your amassed army, Vizier of the Scorpion may not always provide the immediate board impact or cost efficiency that other three mana creatures or enchantments could offer in advancing your game plan.


Reasons to Include Vizier of the Scorpion in Your Collection

Versatility: Vizier of the Scorpion is a multifaceted card that can easily slide into a variety of deck archetypes, most notably those looking to establish a strong defensive line or capitalize on token strategies.

Combo Potential: This card’s ability to provide a deathtouch token pairs seamlessly with multiple mechanics that thrive on creature combos, magnifying its impact on the game board.

Meta-Relevance: As players continually adapt to the shifting landscape of the game, having adaptable cards like Vizier of the Scorpion keeps your deck resilient against an array of popular strategies, making it a well-suited counter to creatures and aggro-heavy decks.


How to beat

Vizier of the Scorpion proves to be a valuable asset in decks built around -1/-1 counters and token strategies within Magic: The Gathering. The card not only generates a 1/1 black Zombie creature token with menace when it enters the battlefield but also grants deathtouch to all your Zombie tokens. This makes it a formidable tool in developing a threatening board presence.

Overcoming this pesky Vizier requires a shift in tactics. Removal spells that bypass deathtouch, such as board wipes or exile effects, can prove effective here. Spells like Shatter the Sky or Declaration in Stone can clear away the deathtouched Zombies irrespective of their combat advantages. Incorporating enchantment removal in your deck, like Disenchant, can also dismantle this Vizier’s static ability, minimizing the impact of future Zombie tokens. Lastly, don’t overlook the usefulness of flying creatures, which can rise above the ground-based menace and deathtouch to secure your victory.

Deck adjustments and strategic elimination remain key when confronting opponents wielding Vizier of the Scorpion. By preempting its strengths and exploiting its vulnerabilities, you ensure this creature doesn’t leave you in the shadows of defeat.


BurnMana Recommendations

Mastering the strategies within MTG isn’t just about playing powerful cards; it’s about understanding synergies that turn a good deck into a formidable one. Vizier of the Scorpion is a prime example of a card that brings much more to the table than what meets the eye. As you continue to refine your MTG repertoire, consider how the Vizier’s amass ability and deathtouch empowerment can amplify your deck’s performance. Eager to optimize your game plan and outmaneuver opponents with strategic finesse? Dive deeper with us for insights that can propel your MTG experience to new heights.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Vizier of the Scorpion MTG card by a specific set like War of the Spark, there are several reliable options to consider. One of the primary sources is your local game store, where you can often find booster packs, individual cards, and preconstructed decks from current and some past sets. They often offer the added benefit of a community where you can trade with other players.

For a broader inventory, particularly of older sets, online marketplaces like TCGPlayer, Card Kingdom and Card Market offer extensive selections and allow you to search for cards from specific sets. Larger e-commerce platforms like eBay and Amazon also have listings from various sellers, which can be a good place to look for sealed product and rare finds.

Additionally, Magic’s official site often has a store locator and retailer lists for finding Wizards of the Coast licensed products. Remember to check for authenticity and the condition of the cards when purchasing, especially from individual sellers on larger marketplaces.

Below is a list of some store websites where you can buy the Vizier of the Scorpion and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Vizier of the Scorpion has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Vizier of the Scorpion card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2019-05-03 Army is a new creature type. It’s possible to control a nontoken Army (perhaps a creature with the changeling ability) and, through combinations of other cards, it’s possible to control multiple Army tokens. When instructed to amass, you may put +1/+1 counters on any of your Army creatures, and you may choose a different one each time.
2019-05-03 If you don’t control an Army, the Zombie Army token that you create enters the battlefield as a 0/0 creature. Any abilities that trigger when a creature with a certain power enters the battlefield, such as that of Mentor of the Meek, will see the token enter as a 0/0 creature before it gets +1/+1 counters.
2019-05-03 Some cards that cause you to amass also provide bonuses to “Zombie tokens.” These affect any token that happens to be a Zombie, not just a Zombie Army you’ve amassed.